There may be 7 divisions between these club's first teams, but this match has demonstrated how much Grantham Town's Youth teams have progressed. This friendly match was played at Middlesbrough's impressive Training ground which boasts excellent facilities. Over the past couple of seasons, Grantham has played against several 'School of Excellence' teams, such as Lincoln City, and Academy teams, such as Leicester City. However, they have never played against such a high quality team such as Middlesbrough, whose academy is one of the highest regarded in the country. As the game got under way it was obvious that the Grantham players were nervous, and this showed as Middlesbrough raced into a 3-0 lead within 8 minutes. Defensive errors let Middlesbrough in, and had it not have been  for some fine goalkeeping, last ditch tackles and impressive clearances, then a cricket score could on been on the cards. In spite of this, Grantham Town settled down, pushed forward and played some good football. Their hard work was rewarded when Nick Kerby fed the ball to Adam Kwiatkowski, who was hacked down on the half way line, but jumped up quickly, and chased the loose ball, only to be fouled again on the edge of the Middlesbrough box. The referee still played on, this time Kwiatkowski stayed on his feet and drilled the ball into the corner of the net.  This gave the young gingerbreads the confidence they needed. They hassled and chased Middlesbrough down creating more chances. Towards the end of the first half, Nick Kerby drove free and cleverly slid a ball through for Kwiatkowski to run on to and again he drilled the ball home. This gave the score 3-2 at the break. The second half still saw Middlesbrough pushing forward but an outstanding defensive display restricted them to long shots. Grantham pushed on and Alex Walker went past 3 players only to be brought down in the area. Adam Kwiatkowski completed his hat trick when he coolly slotted home from the penalty spot. It was 32 years ago when Middlesbrough came to Grantham and beat Town in the FA cup match - that was one of the biggest games in the first teams' history. This game was the biggest game in the Youth Team's history and the fairy tale was nearly complete - not only was a result on the cards but from being 3-0 down after 8 minutes the team had fought themselves back into the game.  The game continued to be end to end, but the young gingerbreads hearts were to be broken in the cruellest of ways, as the Middlesbrough left winger crossed the ball, but he sliced his cross and the ball looped over the Grantham keeper, whilst he got a hand to it he couldn't keep it out. The last 5 minutes saw Grantham pour forward, Adam Kwiatkowski found himself running on to a loose ball in the area only to see his shot saved,  Dani Miller followed up only to see his shot saved also. Town's display gained praise from the Middlesbrough Academy Coaching staff. The team have been invited for a rematch at the end of the season. Manager Barry Baker says: "I am extremely proud of my players. After 8 minutes, and being 3-0 down, I feared the worst. But my players showed what they were made of, and pulled it back to 3-3. At the end of the game, they felt disappointed that they had lost. This is a true sign at how far this team have come - that they can lose by 1 goal to a premier league team and still feel disappointed. If I can keep this group of players together, and they continue to progress, then the future for Grantham's first team looks bright."